Master the main recipe for Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, then try one (or all) of the riffs for delicious flavors that will dazzle your greens.

Ingredients

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 small garlic clove, pressed
• 2 tablespoons minced shallot
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon whole grain Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients in a 1-qt. glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Cover and shake vigorously to blend.
3. Chill 30 minutes.
4. Refrigerate in covered jar up to 1 week.
5. Shake well before serving.

Lemony Ranch

Prepare Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing as directed, adding 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 2 teaspoons honey to jar before shaking. Makes about 2 cups. 50 min.

Blue Cheese Ranch

Prepare Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing as directed, adding 2 oz. mashed blue cheese, 2 oz. crumbled blue cheese, 2 teaspoons chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika to jar before shaking. Makes about 2 cups.

Avocado Ranch

Prepare Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing as directed, adding 1 ripe mashed avocado, 2 Tablespoons minced Jalapeño pepper, 2 Tablespoons hot sauce, 4 teaspoons fresh lime juice; and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to jar before shaking. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.